The Sleep Sense Show

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Episode 054 - Conflicting Parenting Advice Jul 20, 2017

Show notes

"Always do the right thing, unless it's the wrong thing to do, in which case, never do that."

If you're looking for parenting advice online, or from a varied group of experts, friends, or professionals, that's pretty much what it feels like for a new mom.

For every piece of advice you get, there are two people waiting around the corner who will tell you that, not only is that not the best approach, it's actually harmful.

In this week's episode, I've got some tips for navigating the endless ocean of input you'll be sailing, and some reassurance that the doomsday prophets are blowing their warnings way out of proportion.

Episode 053 - Timeout Dos and Don'ts Jul 14, 2017

Show notes

The good old "Time Out" is one of the most reliable tools available to parents when it comes to correcting problem behavior, but it's not always as simple as it sounds. There are plenty of situations where time-outs might not seem like a fitting, or available, strategy. After all, where are you supposed to take your child for a little quiet time if you're in a movie theater, or out for dinner?

Beyond that, how do we know that we're teaching our kids what kind of behavior we're actually asking of them if we just put them into a quiet room for a few minutes?

I'm still a big believer in time-outs, but only when they're done right, and I'll tell you how to apply them in order to get maximum results with minimum hassle.

Episode 052 - Kids and Melatonin Jul 07, 2017

Show notes

Ever since it was made publicly available in the 1990s, synthetic melatonin has been renowned as a "natural" sleep aid, and its popularity has increased to the point where almost everyone is familiar with the name.

The problem with the "natural" designation is that people tend to equate it with, "safe," and I've heard of pediatricians recommending melatonin for babies, literally babies who are having trouble sleeping.

On today's episode, I've got a little bit of a rant against using pills and supplements to fix problems with kids' sleep issues, and an alternative plan that won't just patch over the symptoms, but actually addresses the cause of sleepless nights.

Episode 051 - Getting Started With The Sleep Sense Program Jun 29, 2017

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They say that the hardest part of getting started... is getting started. This can be especially true when you're sleep training your little one. The time never seems to be quite right, there's always an upcoming occasion or obligation that seems to keep families from taking that first step.

So today, I've got some advice for getting up and running with the Sleep Sense Program. When to start, when to avoid getting started, and a little encouragement for what's, let's face it, a challenging first step down a glorious road.

Episode 050 - Allowing Kids to Fail Jun 23, 2017

Show notes

As parents, there's nothing so difficult as standing aside and watching your child fail at something. Whether it's sports or schoolwork, or just taking a harmless tumble, we're always ready to swoop in and provide that extra guidance, support, and help they need in order to ensure they succeed.

But is that "help" actually depriving them of valuable learning experiences? At what point are we ready to allow our kids to fail at things?

My guest on Today's show is Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure-How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go so Their Kids can Succeed. She contends that our kids need to experience failure in order to understand and accept frustration and hardship.

She provides a wonderfully fresh outlook on parenting and will change the way you think about how to coach your kids.

Episode 049 - Why I Hated Breastfeeding Jun 16, 2017

Show notes

Before the title causes a knee-jerk reaction from breastfeeding advocates, let me just say that this week's episode is, in no way, intended to discourage mothers who are happily and successfully breastfeeding. This is just an honest account of my experience with breastfeeding and the life lessons it taught me.

It's blunt, it's straight-forward, and it's sincere, but as the title suggests, breastfeeding did NOT go well for my first child and I, and the pressure I put on myself to make it work was intense.

It was also, as I realized later, unnecessary.

So, just a heads-up! If you're a devout breastfeeding advocate, chances are you might not want to tune in this week, but for those of you who had a hard time, or are currently struggling with breastfeeding, I think you'll find some comfort and a few genuine laughs in this week's episode.

Episode 048 - 3 Big Potty Training Mistakes Jun 09, 2017

Show notes

Every parent looks forward to the day when they can finally say goodbye to diapers, but the process usually isn't a lot of fun. Kids tend to protest change and that can lead to some unpleasant and occasionally embarrassing accidents. Today, I'll tell you about three of the biggest mistakes parents make when they're potty training their little ones, and help you avoid them, as well as a few tips to help minimize the conflict and even make potty training fun for both you and your child.

Episode 047 - Better Sleep Through "Body Wisdom" Jun 01, 2017

Show notes

I recently read a fascinating book by Dr. Rachel Carlton Abrams called Bodywise: Discovering Your Body's Intelligence for Lifelong Health and Healing, and I have to say, I was absolutely captivated from cover to cover. Which is why I'm so excited to be speaking with her on today's podcast! We talk about sleep (naturally) and the health problems caused when we don't get enough of it, but we also discuss whether or not today's modern lifestyle (hurried meals, device addiction, etc.) is responsible for an increase in women feeling "tired" all the time, and what can be done about it.

Give it a listen, and once you're done, you can pick up a copy of her book here.

Episode 046 - How Diet Affects Sleep May 25, 2017

Show notes

Most of us, by the time we have kids, are savvy enough not to feed them energy drinks or sugary snacks right before bed. (Most of us. Not all.)

Because, obviously, a bunch of caffeine and sugar will get them fired up and make it hard for them to sleep. But those aren't the only culprits hiding in your kids' food that might cause them some sleep issues.

Today, I'm looking at the correlation between diet and sleep, and I'll give you some hints on foods to avoid, as well as a few to encourage, in order to help your little ones get the best night's sleep they can.

Episode 045 - Crazy Sleep Props May 18, 2017

Show notes

The dreaded sleep prop. Whether it's a pacifier, a breast, or rocking motions provided by Mom every time baby wakes in the night, they're the single biggest cause of baby not sleeping through the night. Which is ironic, because that's the very reason people employ them in the first place.

Don't get me wrong. As the parent of a once-terrible sleeper myself, I know how desperate we can get to find something, anything, that will help us get our babies to fall asleep.

Today, I'm looking back at some of the more innovative, bizarre, and downright absurd sleep props I've seen through my 14-year career as a baby sleep coach, and I've got a little advice for those of you who find yourselves thinking, "Oh hey, that might work!"

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